How much refrigerant is generally needed for an air conditioning recharge?
3 Answers
Turn on the air conditioning to cooling mode and add refrigerant from the low-pressure side until the pressure reaches 0.4~0.6. Below are some details about air conditioning refrigerant recharge: When the air conditioning is not in use, add refrigerant from the recharge port. The system pressure should reach 0.8~0.9 for optimal performance. The correct method for adding refrigerant is to do it slowly. After adding a small amount, let the air conditioning run for about 10 minutes, then measure the pressure and current. If necessary, add more in increments, rather than using the immediate pressure and current readings as the standard. When adding refrigerant in winter, you can disconnect the four-way valve coil or artificially raise the indoor temperature sensor to a level that allows cooling mode to activate.
Last year I had my car's AC system recharged and wanted to share the experience. When the air conditioning wasn't cooling properly, I took it to my regular auto repair shop. The mechanic first performed a simple leak test to confirm no major issues before refilling. The total cost was 210 RMB, including refrigerant and labor. He mentioned standard sedans typically cost between 150-400 RMB depending on location and shop size, with cities like Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou being more expensive. If there's a system leak requiring repair, that adds another 100-200 RMB. Now I make it a habit to get my AC checked annually before summer to avoid last-minute hassles during heatwaves, while also maintaining the filter to prevent repeated costs. I recommend comparing quotes from several nearby shops - don't just choose the cheapest option, as quality assurance matters most. Seasonal demand also affects pricing, with busier periods potentially costing more, so scheduling early tends to be more economical.
From experience, the cost of car air conditioning refrigerant recharge is not fixed, with standard service typically ranging between 100 to 500 RMB. Key pricing factors include vehicle type—compact hatchbacks cost less, while large SUVs requiring more refrigerant may incur an additional 50-100 RMB. Refrigerant type also matters; mainstream R134a has lower material cost but labor constitutes the bulk. If undetected leaks exist, simply recharging provides temporary relief and wastes money. Reputable shops perform pressure tests first—a complete 200-350 RMB service is most reasonable. To prevent issues, I advise owners to heed maintenance cues like unusual odors from vents, addressing problems early to avoid costly emergency repairs.
